program note:The title bang Z is derived from the name of a small, high-pitched, Chinese wood block called bangzi. A set of these high-pitched, piccolo wood blocks are a central timbre of this work. bang Z is built around sudden and drastic juxtapositions that suddenly shift the piece in new directions. This is done through abrupt tempo changes, interjections of musical material, and unexpected harmonic shifts.

bang Z was comissioned by The Aspen Music Festival and School and premiered by The Aspen Contemporary Ensemble at the 2014 festival.